The Rejection at Nazareth (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Note
Exam code: 8062
1 He left that place and came to his home town, and his disciples followed him. 2 On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offence at him. 4 Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” 5 And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. (Mark 6:1–6)
The incident at Nazareth
After time away from Nazareth, his hometown (where he had grown up), Jesus went back and started teaching in the synagogue
He was known as “the carpenter, the son of Mary”, meaning he was known only as an ordinary person, not God’s chosen one
People found it hard to accept his teachings and authority
Jesus was amazed at their lack of faith, leading him to say:
“Prophets are not without honour, except in their home town, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” (Mark 6:4)
This phrase has become a famous saying or proverb, meaning that sometimes, the people who know a person best, or for a long time, find it hard to accept that this person can be anyone special
According to this passage, Jesus was so misunderstood by his people that he couldn’t work any miracles
He did, however, still perform some healings (Mark is showing us that Jesus still had some power, just less power)
This shows that faith is important for great miracles to happen
Persecution and rejection
Jesus experiencing rejection and a lack of belief from the people who knew him well is important for Christians today
Later, Jesus would suffer a far greater level of rejection and persecution at his trial and crucifixion
Throughout the history of the Church, there have been many examples of Christians being rejected and even persecuted for their beliefs
In the early Church, Christians were persecuted, especially in Rome under the Emperor Nero (at the time this Gospel was written)
This story would have given strength and courage to those suffering
Today, there is still persecution of Christians. For example, in parts of the Middle East, it can be dangerous to practise Christianity. There are attacks on churches and people
This story can help people who struggle to practise their Christian faith today
Worked Example
What lesson does the rejection at Nazareth show about performing miracles?
A. Miracles only work in synagogues.
B. Miracles can only be performed for family members.
C. Miracles require special offerings to God.
D. Strong faith enables greater miracles to happen.
Answer:
Correct answer: D. Strong faith enables greater miracles to happen.
Mark’s Gospel repeatedly shows how faith in Jesus led to him working great miracles (e.g. the healing of the paralysed man, Jairus’s daughter), while rejection from his own people led to him having less power to work great miracles
Examiner Tips and Tricks
There are many examples of Christians who have had to stand strong against rejection and persecution. You may have some case studies from your course, either historically (St Paul, St Peter, etc.) or in more modern times (e.g. Brother Andrew, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Dietrich Bonhoeffer). If you’re answering a question about the meaning of this passage for Christians, you will get credit for giving named examples.
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